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Wanderers Ways. Neil Thompson 1961-2021

Reading Play Off Final


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Were you in a big daft hat, sat behind the goal? It kicked off right in front of me when the penalty was given; sure the said two were embracing each other moments later. First time I had ever seen white on white violence.

 

I got a ticket with my mate, but he was away with family at the time. I had to meet him down there. Being 15 and on my own, my old man made me take the travel club down. It was shite. Found the nearest offy when we parked up for four strongbow super, I looked a right tramp supping them by myself.

 

I remember having premier league badges loosely sewn on my yellow shirt (in case they needed removing) and goading the Reading fans on the way out... I also remember the smile on my face when we pulled up at Burnden and some card commented 'look, a premiership ground'

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Were you in a big daft hat, sat behind the goal? It kicked off right in front of me when the penalty was given; sure the said two were embracing each other moments later. First time I had ever seen white on white violence.

 

I got a ticket with my mate, but he was away with family at the time. I had to meet him down there. Being 15 and on my own, my old man made me take the travel club down. It was shite. Found the nearest offy when we parked up for four strongbow super, I looked a right tramp supping them by myself.

 

I remember having premier league badges loosely sewn on my yellow shirt (in case they needed removing) and goading the Reading fans on the way out... I also remember the smile on my face when we pulled up at Burnden and some card commented 'look, a premiership ground'

 

No daft hat but I was behind the goal.

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At the end it was a fantastic day but I was nearly thrown out or Wemberleeee when we were 2 nil down as I had a fall out with bloke behind and it almost came to fisticuffs.

 

For an extra point who did Reading beat in their semi final?

That would be our non league chums from the Wirral.  Little known that this was the third time in a row they had lost in a championship play off semi. Tranmere in the premier? I think not.

Edited by bgoefc
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Didn't Reading finish second that year adding to their rage at losing

They did but we took our foot off once promotion was out of our reach. Rioch said we would have finished second, last game was at home against relegated Burnley (I think) and we drew 1-1 when a win would have secured second.

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Didn't Reading finish second that year adding to their rage at losing

Only because we could not be arsed about beating Burnley at home on the last day having missed out on the only promotion spot that year.

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Only because we could not be arsed about beating Burnley at home on the last day having missed out on the only promotion spot that year.

 

It was all because they were reducing the number of teams in the premier league from 22 to 20.

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They did but we took our foot off once promotion was out of our reach. Rioch said we would have finished second, last game was at home against relegated Burnley (I think) and we drew 1-1 when a win would have secured second.

Pretty sure Tony Phylliskirk played for Burnley that game. Might have scored too??
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Went for a pee at 2-0 down. Bloke next to me said "We'll win this - no problem" - should have asked him for the lottery numbers :)

 

Wonderful occasion, and I remember the night after in Bolton town centre, car horns blaring etc. - everyone was so excited!

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I was out with the lad who missed the penalty at Ascot a few weeks after.

 

A couple of lads asked that I wouldn't wind him up knowing full well after a few pints he had no chance.

 

Fair play, when we met at the 3 guineas at Reading station early doors, he took me outside and told me to take the piss and get it done as he'd be waiting for it all day.

 

Good lad Stuart Lovell and thanks for the missing the pen lad!

Edited by Thorpey
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Was talking to this with a Reading fan today, he was chirping up about when they beat Tranmere it was one the of the best day's in their history, reminded him we won the final and of course sang "ooh are Branagan". Sadly was only 1 years  old at the time so couldn't be in attendance.

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Best day out at Wembley, probably only time I seen us win there apart from Torquay in FRT, best I've ever felt when that 3rd goal went in. Even kissed my brother and I hate him! Went out next day and bought every newspaper, seems like a lifetime ago.

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